Trump Announces Board of Peace, Extends Invitation to Putin
In a move that has raised eyebrows across the international diplomatic landscape, President Donald Trump confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join his newly formed “Board of Peace.” This announcement, made during an impromptu exchange with reporters at the College Football National Championship Game in Florida, represents Trump’s latest attempt to shape foreign policy around the Gaza peace process. “Yeah, he’s been invited,” Trump stated matter-of-factly when questioned about Putin’s potential involvement in the initiative designed to supervise the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.
The Russian response has been characteristically measured, with the Kremlin acknowledging receipt of the invitation while maintaining a cautious stance. Russian officials indicated they are currently “studying the details” and seeking clarity on “all the nuances” through direct communications with the U.S. government. This deliberate approach reflects Russia’s strategic positioning in Middle Eastern affairs, where Putin has worked to establish Russia as an influential power broker. The potential inclusion of Russia in this American-led peace initiative comes at a time when U.S.-Russia relations remain strained across multiple fronts, making this diplomatic overture particularly noteworthy.
France’s apparent reluctance to participate has sparked a sharp retort from Trump, highlighting the tensions underlying this peace initiative. A French official close to President Emmanuel Macron revealed that France does not plan to join the Board of Peace “at this stage,” citing concerns about the initiative’s relationship to established United Nations frameworks and principles. When confronted with this information at the championship game, Trump responded with characteristic bluntness, dismissing Macron’s relevance by claiming, “Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon.” Taking his response a step further, Trump then issued what appeared to be a direct economic threat: “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.” This exchange underscores the unconventional approach Trump continues to take in international diplomacy, mixing personal jabs with policy threats.
The Board of Peace initiative has attracted a diverse array of nations beyond the major powers, revealing an interesting patchwork of international support. Israel, as a key stakeholder in any Gaza peace process, has received an invitation, as have Canada, Belarus, Slovenia, and Thailand – representing a mix of traditional Western allies and nations with varying relationships to U.S. foreign policy. More tellingly, several countries have already accepted invitations to participate, including Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina. This coalition reflects Trump’s attempt to build international legitimacy for his peace efforts while potentially sidestepping traditional multilateral institutions that have historically been involved in Middle East peace processes.
The creation of this Board comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing Gaza conflict, with international pressure mounting for sustainable solutions. By establishing this new entity, Trump appears to be seeking to reshape the diplomatic architecture around the peace process, potentially positioning the United States more centrally in negotiations. The choice to invite Putin specifically signals a recognition of Russia’s growing influence in the region, particularly following its military involvement in Syria and diplomatic engagement with various Middle Eastern powers. This approach represents a significant departure from conventional diplomatic channels that have typically addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through established international frameworks.
As this initiative develops, questions remain about its practical authority, relationship to existing peace processes, and ultimate effectiveness in addressing the complex realities on the ground in Gaza. The mixed international response – from Russia’s cautious consideration to France’s principled hesitation to the eager acceptance from several smaller powers – reflects the uncertain diplomatic territory this Board of Peace occupies. Trump’s personal approach to encouraging participation, combining invitation with intimidation in the case of France, further complicates assessments of the initiative’s diplomatic seriousness. As global attention remains fixed on finding lasting solutions to the Gaza conflict, the Board of Peace represents Trump’s attempt to create an alternative framework for peace negotiations, one that bears his distinct diplomatic imprint while challenging conventional international approaches to conflict resolution in the Middle East.
